Their friends are obnoxious They are already in a relationship They obsess over a TV show you hate
You already have to see this person everyday, so think of your social media as a safe space from them. You’ll only prolong your grief and attraction if you keep scrolling past their face outside of work or class. [3] X Research source
If you know your crush too well for this trick, try pretending they’re someone else close to you. How would you react if it was a friend or sibling that waved at you from across the street? A coworker? A classmate?
If you’ve been physically intimate with your crush before, keep your relationship completely platonic going forward. More sensual encounters will only make it harder to get over your feelings and move on. [7] X Research source Make your home a safe space and get rid of any gifts, photos, or other objects that remind you too much of the person. [8] X Research source
“I like spending time with him. ” “I like the way she laughs. ” “I like when I bump into him in the hallway. ”
Talking about your problems with friends and family is a way to let them know what’s happening in your life and that you might need some extra support while you work through this. It’s OK to use your support system and ask for help! Talking about your crush will help normalize your feelings. If you keep it all inside, you might grow embarrassed or ashamed of how you feel and it will take longer to heal. [11] X Research source
You don’t have to keep the journal entry forever. Tear the page out and throw it away afterwards if you don’t want a permanent record of your most secret thoughts.
Hobbies are just one form of self-care. Take naps, binge your favorite TV shows, meditate, or do whatever other activities make you feel good, refreshed, and whole while you process your feelings.
Instead of letting yourself imagine a romantic wine night with them, start thinking about a trip to a vineyard with your closest friends. If you can’t stop focusing on the way they did their hair today, try picturing yourself in a salon chair and playing with different styles and colors. Did they say your name recently and you can’t stop re-hearing it? Imagine your favorite musician screaming your name from the stage instead.
Try looking at your interactions through their lens too. To you, a quick “hello” might be heart stopping. To them, it’s just a polite gesture. Try to operate on their level and cool your thoughts and actions to match the reality of the relationship.
There’s no need to jump into a new relationship right away to get over your crush. It’s enough to just explore what’s out there.
Shift your energy toward accepting the situation for what it really is and acknowledge, “what I am looking for is not going to happen with this person. ” You will probably still feel sad for a time, but this acceptance will let you grieve the lost possibility and then move on. [18] X Research source
You’re not alone in your feelings. Almost everyone has experienced the pain of moving on from a crush, and they’ve all lived to tell the tale. You will too!
A drunk text or DM to your crush can be embarrassing and make it even harder to move on, especially if you have to see them everyday. Ditch the booze while you’re thinking about them to avoid making a mistake you’ll regret later. Prolonged drug or alcohol use while you’re depressed might lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts in extreme cases.
You feel depressed or sad for all or most of the day, most days of the week. Your feelings are preventing you from enjoying your favorite things and activities. Your feelings are affecting your ability to work, succeed in school, socialize with your friends or family, or get along with people.
